I’ve made countless homemade cream sauces over the years, and I’ve also experimented with plenty of ways to improve jarred Alfredo sauce on busy weeknights.
Whether I’m making a quick chicken Alfredo, white lasagna or creamy pasta bake, I almost never use the sauce straight from the jar. Even one or two small additions can make a noticeable difference.
Why Does Jarred Alfredo Sauce Taste Bland?
Jarred Alfredo sauce is one of my favorite dinner shortcuts, but let’s be honest.. it can taste a little flat straight from the jar.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with all kinds of simple add-ins to make store-bought Alfredo sauce taste richer, creamier and more like homemade. Whether you have garlic, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, fresh herbs or just a few pantry staples on hand, there are plenty of easy ways to upgrade it.
With just a few extra minutes and one or two simple ingredients, you can transform a bland jar of Alfredo sauce into a flavorful pasta sauce your family will think you made from scratch!
How To Make Jarred Alfredo Sauce Better
When you want canned or jarred Alfredo sauce to taste homemade, follow these simple steps. You can use just one upgrade or combine several for the best flavor.
- Start with garlic and butter. Sauté 2–3 cloves minced garlic in 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil) for about 3 minutes. Stir in the jarred Alfredo sauce.
- Make it creamier. Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, cream cheese, heavy cream or a splash of milk until smooth and heated through.
- Season to taste. Add Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, onion powder, salt and pepper a little at a time until the flavor pops.
- Finish with fresh herbs or a splash of white wine. Stir in chopped parsley or chives before serving, or add a little white wine while the sauce simmers for extra depth.
- Customize it. Mix in cooked chicken, broccoli, mushrooms, spinach or other vegetables to make it heartier.
💡 My Best Tip
If you only have time for one upgrade, sauté fresh garlic in butter and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Those two simple additions make the biggest difference and instantly make store-bought Alfredo sauce taste much closer to homemade.
Garlic
Fresh garlic is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make jarred Alfredo sauce taste homemade. Sauté 2-3 minced garlic cloves in butter or olive oil over medium heat for about 3 minutes before adding the sauce.
If you don’t have fresh garlic, stir in up to 1 teaspoon garlic powder instead.
Butter
A little butter makes store-bought Alfredo sauce taste richer and silkier. Stir in up to 1/4 cup butter over medium-low heat until melted.
Tip: For even more flavor, sauté your garlic in butter instead of olive oil.
Cheese
Since Alfredo is already a creamy sauce, cheese is a natural way to boost both flavor and texture. Stir in up to 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, cheddar, Gouda or cream cheese, or add up to 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Megan’s Tip: Freshly grated Parmesan melts much more smoothly than the shelf-stable grated variety and gives the sauce the best flavor. If using cream cheese, avoid low-fat versions, which can make the sauce grainy.
Milk, Heavy Cream or Sour Cream
For an even creamier Alfredo sauce, stir in up to 1/2 cup milk, heavy cream or sour cream during the last few minutes of cooking. Heat just until warmed through to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Seasonings and Spices
A few extra seasonings can completely wake up a bland jar of Alfredo sauce. Try Italian seasoning, dried basil, oregano, onion powder, seasoned salt, black pepper or a little extra salt if needed.
Megan’s Tip: Taste after every addition. It’s much easier to add another pinch of seasoning than to fix an over-seasoned sauce.
Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs add brightness and make the sauce taste like it was made from scratch. Stir in chopped parsley, chives or thyme just before serving for the best flavor.
Vegetables
Adding vegetables is an easy way to create a heartier, more flavorful meal. Broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, cauliflower, onions, carrots and Brussels sprouts all pair deliciously with Alfredo sauce.
Megan’s Tip: I like to cook the vegetables separately before stirring them into the sauce. That way they stay tender instead of watering down the Alfredo.
Meat
Cooked chicken is my favorite addition to Alfredo sauce, but shrimp, Italian sausage, sliced grilled steak, ground beef or ground turkey are all delicious options. Stir in up to 2 cups of cooked meat to turn the sauce into a complete meal.
White Wine
A splash of dry white wine adds surprising depth and balances the richness of the sauce. Stir in up to 1/2 cup while the sauce simmers for a few minutes so the alcohol cooks off.
Megan’s Tip: A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works best. Avoid sweet wines, which can throw off the flavor of the sauce.
Broth
If your Alfredo sauce feels a little too thick, add up to 1 cup chicken broth or chicken stock. It thins the sauce while adding even more savory flavor.
Make It Spicy
If you enjoy a little heat, add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, white pepper or extra black pepper. Start small and adjust to your taste.
Add a Pinch of Nutmeg
It might sound unexpected, but a tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg adds warmth and depth without making the sauce taste sweet. It’s a classic ingredient in many homemade cream sauces and works perfectly in Alfredo.
FAQ About Alfredo Sauce
Store leftover Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth and creamy.
Yes! Transfer cooled Alfredo sauce to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 4 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, whisking well until the sauce is smooth and creamy again.
Megan’s Tip: Cream-based sauces can separate after freezing. A good whisk while reheating usually brings everything back together.
Traditional Alfredo sauce is typically made with butter, heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, which are naturally gluten-free. However, some store-bought brands use flour or other thickeners containing wheat, so always check the ingredient label if you need a gluten-free option.
Yes. Alfredo sauce is a creamy white sauce made with butter, cream (or milk) and cheese, most commonly Parmesan cheese. While cheese is one of its main ingredients, Alfredo sauce itself is a sauce.. not a cheese.
Grainy Alfredo sauce is usually caused by cheese that doesn’t melt properly. Freshly grated Parmesan melts much more smoothly than pre-grated varieties and creates the creamiest texture.
If your sauce becomes grainy, blend it briefly with an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth.
If your Alfredo sauce is thicker than you’d like, stir in a splash of milk, heavy cream or chicken broth a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Continue cooking the sauce over low heat until it reduces slightly, or stir in a little freshly grated Parmesan cheese to naturally thicken it.
Yes! Jarred Alfredo sauce is designed to be heated and customized. Garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, fresh herbs, cooked chicken and vegetables are all easy ways to make store-bought Alfredo sauce taste richer and more like homemade.
Make Homemade Alfredo Sauce Instead
If you have an extra 10 minutes, homemade Alfredo sauce is surprisingly easy to make. My Alfredo Sauce with Cream Cheese is rich, creamy and made with simple ingredients you probably already have. It’s a great option when you want the flavor of homemade without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
What To Serve With Chicken Alfredo
Wondering what to serve with chicken Alfredo? Pair it with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad or any of these 21 easy side dishes to round out your meal.
Easy Ways to Use Alfredo Sauce
Pasta Favorites
- Toss with hot fettuccine, penne or rotini for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Make classic Chicken Alfredo and finish with fresh parsley and black pepper.
- Stir it into baked pasta casseroles for an extra creamy sauce.
Pizza & Casseroles
- Use Alfredo sauce instead of pizza sauce for a white pizza.
- Make a creamy white lasagna by replacing the red sauce with Alfredo and using shredded chicken.
- Add it to Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole for even more creamy flavor.
Vegetables & Sides
- Stir it into cooked broccoli, cauliflower or spinach.
- Pour it over scalloped potatoes.
- Toss with spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a lighter meal.
- Serve it as a dipping sauce for garlic bread or breadsticks.
How To Reheat Fettuccine Alfredo
Made too much? Learn the best ways to reheat fettuccine Alfredo so the sauce stays smooth and creamy instead of separating.
Whether you’re making fettuccine Alfredo, white pizza, chicken Alfredo or a creamy casserole, a few simple upgrades can completely transform a jar of store-bought Alfredo sauce.
Start with garlic, butter and freshly grated Parmesan, then customize it with your favorite herbs, vegetables or protein to make it your own.
More Homemade Sauce Recipes
If you love making sauces from scratch, these reader-favorite recipes are worth bookmarking.
- Easy Spaghetti Sauce – A hearty, meaty tomato sauce perfect for pasta night.
- Homemade Taco Sauce – Better than store-bought and ready in minutes.
- Homemade Enchilada Sauce – Rich, flavorful and ready in just 15 minutes.
- Homemade Buttermilk – Make a quick substitute with just two simple ingredients.
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The Best Way to Improve Jarred Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients
Base
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 16 oz alfredo sauce
Flavor Boosters
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 1/4 cup Italian parsley finely chopped
Optional Add-Ins
- 2 cups chicken cooked and chopped
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.
- Stir in the Alfredo sauce. Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and cayenne (if using). Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and creamy.
- Stir in the parsley and cooked chicken, if desired. Taste and adjust the seasonings before serving over your favorite pasta.
Notes
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-grated cheese.
- Add a splash of heavy cream if you’d like an even creamier sauce.
- Broccoli, spinach and mushrooms are delicious additions.
- Thin the sauce with a little chicken broth or milk if it becomes too thick.
- Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.If you only have time for one upgrade, sauté fresh garlic in butter before adding the Alfredo sauce, then stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Those two simple ingredients make the biggest difference in flavor.
Nutrition
Megan Porta is a comfort food recipe creator who specializes in easy family meals and Instant Pot desserts, and the founder of Pip and Ebby. She has been cooking for three decades and developing recipes for over fifteen years, helping home cooks make reliable, cozy recipes for real life.
This recipe is awesome, I subbed paprika for cayenne, and added crushed red pepper and asparagus, delicious! Definitely will make again.
Awesome Hillary! Thanks for giving this recipe 5 stars.
Made so many times. Perfect quick dish for guests. With some grilled marinated chicken. Salad and garlic bread. Got so many compliments, adults ands kids alike! Thanks for a great recipe!
I’m newer to cooking so I followed this recipe very closely. Only change was no salt because of diet restrictions and halved the cayenne pepper because I was not sure of the spiciness level. Oh my god all I could taste was cayenne! I like spicy, but that’s all I could taste?? My husband actually was mad at me the whole night over wasting food.
Thanks for the note Cleo. I’m sorry the recipe didn’t work out for you.
…it does say optional..
Definitely use cayenne at your own risk. Optional all the way!
I’ve made a ton of her recipes ( trying to learn to cook new things) and once again this is great! I really appreciate the help, knowledge, and the love you put into your recipes!
I’m glad it was useful, Laura! Thanks for the feedback.
Sounds amazing, just wanted to know if it would be them same spices for shrimp instead of chicken
Shrimp would be great in this dish! The seasoning doesn’t have to change unless you want it to. The seasonings are for the alfredo, not specific to the chicken. Thanks for asking!
Love your recs and here are mine. I add some Herbs De Provence from sb and Sazo’n Complete seasoning. I use these in many of my recipes from Salsa to eggs to roasted veggies; get some! Also saute’ some mushrooms and green onion stalks with the garlic…all tossed with Fettechini and maybe a small salad or toast…peace af
Oh, forgot repurposing some leftover pork loin from New Years meal…:-)
Thank you for sharing those!
All great ideas. I’m adding a little cooked chicken, lots of pepper, garlic and chives, maybe parsley. my hydroponic parsley is still not full yet.
Sounds like great suggestions! Thanks for sharing, Linda.
This recipe makes all the difference with jar sauce!!! Loved it!!
Thank you, Linda! A little love can make all the difference on these types of meals.
no ! the original recipe is fine stop ruining thingfs
That’s the beauty of cooking – everyone enjoys something different and there’s all kinds of ways to achieve it. You are welcome to eat from a jar of sauce and enjoy it.
Lmaooooo “spicy flare” cayenne pepper and black pepper. 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂
Fantastic